James D’Alessandro’s Most Anticipated Films of 2015

Thus far, the list of films announced for 2015 has been rather tantalizing. A cavalcade of action, comic book, and sci-fi movies, including some fresh swings at popular, though older, franchises, promises to be an interesting and hopefully fulfilling year in cinema. After going through these lists, I’ve gone ahead and compiled my top 5 most anticipated films for the upcoming year!

Ex Machina

The sci-fi drama Ex Machina, is one of my top prospects for 2015 for a two important reasons. First off, it looks at the evolution of technology, it’s interaction with humanity, and it explores the possibilities, all of which are topics that thoroughly intrigue and excite me. The other big perk is that Alex Garland, the writer for 28 Days Later, a film I thoroughly enjoy, is both writing and directing the film.

Jurassic World

Being a 90’s kid, includingJurassic Worldis obligatory. This film revisits the island of dinosaurs, with a plethora new technology and starring the talented Chris Pratt. I’m truly hoping they are capable of reviving even just a sliver of the original film’s nostalgia and that it doesn’t become just another trashy sequel.

Fifty Shades of Grey

Now, unlike some other writer’s for this site (who shall remain unnamed), I am genuinely intrigued to see this book taken to the screen, in Fifty Shades of Grey. This is because I have never read the books, nor have I had the inclination, but would still like to be abreast of the subject. Additionally, being a single guy, it represents a reasonably fair opportunity to take advantage of a topic that apparently, erm, invigorates young women.

Spectre

Spectre is making this list, mostly due to Daniel Craig being, well, Daniel Craig. Despite some of the newer additions to the Bond franchise being… lackluster, Mr. Craig has done a fantastic job, in my humble opinion, of maintaining the “Bond” feel. My biggest hope is that this new film avoids the downfalls of its recent iterations, namely the OVERLY ridiculous plot-holes.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

For those of you who know me, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the first film of Disney’s attempts at the franchise. Ever since it was first announced, I have been cautiously optimistic of the re-visitation to my favorite and most endeared franchise, hoping and praying that it not only pays homage to to original films but takes up the mantle and becomes a legend of its own right. And just think, it’s only 11 short months away!

Admittedly, this list is a bit “mainstream” or “blockbuster” heavy, but that is mostly because there aren’t a whole lot of trailers out for the smaller, more thought-provoking films just yet. With that said, I felt it would be worthwhile to give honorable mentions to: Disney’s Inside Out, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, as well as Mad Max. Here’s to a new year and some amazing movies!